Stephanie's Dream

I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a stay at home mother and a homeschooling mother for 19 years.  I have successfully home educated all three of our children.  As a Mother I have encouraged and helped my children to reach for their dreams and to set their goals and strive for them.

I recall my oldest daughter, Stephanie, wanted to attend college.  It was an unknown journey for her and she was a little anxious.  Of course everybody has their opinion concerning her goals and endeavors.  Some thought girls have no business going off to college; they should be keepers of the home.  Now mind you being a wife and mother is amazing and a very rewarding and a high calling.  There is a time for everything.  Stephanie wanted to continue learning, but never forsaking the part of her dream where she meets Mr. Wonderful and someday Stephanie will be a keeper of her home in God’s timing.  And then some thought it dangerous to leave home to go to college.  The fear being she would forget all about Jesus!  In fact, He was the one who gave her the dream!  Needless to say she held onto her dream!

 

Stephanie, a Southwest Baptist University freshman, dreamed of a career in Radiology Technology.  There was much hard work and perseverance to complete each requirement such as biology, chemistry, algebra, and other basic classes.  It was challenging at times and yes, she was stretched more than she thought she could ever be.  She began applying to three Radiology Schools.  She was not accepted to any school the first year she applied.  Stephanie was disappointed.  She even thought of quitting.  Was I going to let her quit?  Absolutely not!!!  I suggested to her to go back to Southwest Baptist University to complete her biology degree and apply again next year.  She completed a Bachelor of Science in biology and applied again to Radiology School.  She received two letters with a no answer again.  I told her you only need to be accepted to one.  And sure enough the next letter was a yes!

She is a student at St. John’s Radiologic Technology School now.  She is still jumping through all the loops to complete the degree and depending on God to help her.  She is being successful and only has one year left.  I will add that someday Stephanie will be a keeper of the home in God’s timing.  She still serves the Lord and gives Him glory in all He does for her.  I am so glad she did not give up on her dream.

Our 4th Grade Play

Being a 4^th grade student of Mrs. Pursley at Leonard Elementary School I learned a lot.  There were even times that I experienced life lessons.  As I reflect, I understand I have been allowed to decide the path my life takes.  I can choose to empower myself and others with gratefulness and happiness, or not.   

Our class was given the opportunity to present a play about kings and queens.  Excitement was building as we prepared.  We read the play aloud, decorated props, chose a time, and studied the different characters, and invited parents.

It was decided to use parliamentary procedure to place the student with the characters in the play.  There were three or four speaking parts I desired greatly.  I was nominated, but not elected.  However, I was chosen for a nonspeaking part in which I was to water the ducks.  I thought, “Well, that is just wonderful!”  I was disappointed. 

My family encouraged me to be the best “duck waterer” the class ever had.  Slowly, I began putting my heart into it.  I chose an outfit from my mother’s clothing and found a beautiful watering pitcher.  I pretended to water the ducks with tender loving care.  However, my heart was into watching my peers practice!  The teacher encouraged them to put expression with their words, and I loved every minute of it.  As I rode the school bus home, I would sit and just read the play two or three times through everyday for weeks.

When opening day arrived, I was excited to water the ducks.  The play went great.  The next day we were to present the play to our parents.  When our teacher entered the classroom that morning, she had an announcement.  With a sober expression on her face she said, “I am sorry to say that Dennis is sick with a respiratory infection.”  I empathized with the illness since I had endured many respiratory infections myself; and, I was sad he was sick.  Mrs. Pursley continued to share that Dennis would not be in school and would not be participating in the play.  This left our play in a dilemma.  We needed an actor for the part.  Who could pull this off at the spur of the moment?  It was decided to have try outs.  And that is what I did.  I tried out and in fact I had the lines memorized.  I remember seeing my teacher’s mouth drop open.  After the try outs the teacher and student teacher presented the part to me.  And I was thrilled.

We had two rehearsals before the play and then it was show time.  My mother was in the audience and had no idea I was to act a new part.  The play was great!  My mother would have been thrilled with me no matter what part I had.

Life is full of choices.  I had a choice to linger in disappointment or hasten on in excitement for the production.   I am thankful my mother encouraged me to be my best.  I am thankful I chose to take my mother’s advice, to be happy, to keep a positive attitude, and to enjoy every aspect of the play.  When a classmate became sick and the production of the play was challenged, I was prepared.  When I took the speaking part, my spot was vacant.  My friend was thrilled to take my duck waterer part and another classmate who did not have a part at all got a part in the play.  In fact, I helped my teachers, the whole cast of the play, the parents, and the sick boy.  Actually, the most rewarding part of my experience was helping all those people.

If I had chosen to wallow in self pity and disappointment, then I would have helped no one.  As a mother, I encourage my children to be winners instead of whiners.  Life has many twists and turns.  And who knows where a positive uplifting attitude will lead you down this journey of life.

  

My First Boyfriend

In the late summer of 1963 I prepared to attend first grade at Emma D. Schools in a little town called Goodson, Missouri.  Emma D. Schools was a grade school with only two classrooms and two teachers; there was one class room for grades 1 through 3 and another classroom for grades 4 through 6.  Yes, there were three grades in my classroom.

  

Believe it or not I never attended kindergarten, I prepared to enter first grade.  It was a huge change in my life and I was looking forward to it.  I remember my mother taking me to the Five and Dime to purchase my school supplies for the first time.  I chose a big red pencil and red eraser, crayons, paint brushes, a Big Chief Tablet, water colors, and a cigar box to put all my supplies in.

“You will like first grade school.  You will make a lot of new friends!”  Aunt Emma Lou shared with me.  I was excited about this new endeavor in my life.  My Uncle Floyd then added, “And you will probably find a boyfriend in school!”  I thought, “Well, I do not really know what that means, but it sounded like a lot of fun!”  I just listened and took it all in.

When the first day of school arrived, my mom dropped me off and said she would see me that afternoon.  Remember to get on bus number 3 with cousin, Rita.  I had a GREAT day at school learning my alphabet and making things.  At the end of the day I walked out the front door of the school with the other students to get on the bus to go home.  I recalled my parents telling me to get on bus number 3.  Or was it bus number 2?  I could not remember, so I just got on bus number 2.  I looked all over for my cousin Rita.  I could not see her anywhere and then the bus driver said sit down and the bus took off.

I rode and rode and rode.  I saw parts of rural Half Way I had never seen before.  I began wondering if I would ever get home.  The kids on the bus were loud and they seemed huge in size to me.  One high school boy started teasing me.  I just looked at him timidly.  Another high school boy walked to my seat and sat down beside me.  He turned to the bully and said, “You leave my girl friend alone!”  That was all it took and no one else bothered me. 

Finally, all the kids were taken to their homes and dropped off including my new boyfriend.  Then I saw familiar territory.  It was my grandparents place.  The bus driver knew whose family I belonged to.  My mother and father and grandparents were frantic when I did not get off the bus with cousin, Rita.  “Are you okay?” asked everyone and hugging me.  “Yes, I sure am.  And I had a great day at school.  And I have a boyfriend!” I excitedly informed everyone!

My first boyfriend stepped off the bus that early evening.  How I wish I would have asked for his name.  If I knew who he was, I would say thank you for making my ride bearable and I would say thank you for making me feel so important.

Samuel

Over the past 23 years we have lived in Lebanon, Missouri, we have been blessed to have shared our lives with 27 cats, 1 dog, 3 hermit crabs, 4 beta fish, several gold fish and catfish.  Each are special and have their own special place in our hearts.    

One hot summer evening Steve chose Samuel from a litter of kittens.  His beautiful short black tabby stripes shined in the evening light.  Samuel’s cute little black tail stood straight up in the air making him irresistible.  Steve just could not leave without Samuel that night.  As we rode home in the van all Samuel did was mew.  “Meow, meow, meow, and meow!” loudly proclaimed Samuel.  It was as if he were saying, “Where am I going?  Who are you?  I am so excited!”  All the way home for 15-20 minutes there was a constant mew!

We petted and held Samuel and loved on him.  When it was time to go to bed, he just kept mewing.  Finally he shut up and fell asleep.  And thus that is how Samuel acts.  He is high string, determined, and nervous individual.  He is referred to as the “problem child”.  In fact if there ever was such a profession as cat psychologist, then Sam would have went for therapy.  

Samuel annoyed each family member with the exceptions of Steve, Stephanie and Hannah.  Even our American Eskimo Dog, Nanook, felt this cat’s temper.  Even though Nanook attempted to build a relationship with Sam, he was slapped time and again.  Sam stubbornly refused to be kind.  He slapped and hissed at Nanook.  It took several days before Samuel even warmed up to his fellow cats.

On bitterly cold winter evenings, we allowed the cats to spend the night in the garage.  The next morning the cats were ready to eat and to go outside for fresh air.  Which cat was mewing?  Yes, you guessed it.  Samuel.  “Mew, mew, mew, mew, and mew!” Samuel carried on and on.  Missy, part Norwegian Forest Cat, had ran out of patience.  Suddenly Missy, growled and hissed at Sam.  Then one could a lot of wrestling around and banging on the garage door.  Then all one could hear was silence.  It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.  Then Samuel broke the silence saying quietly and questioningly, “Mew?”

Trust in the Lord With All Your Heart

I lead on fear at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church’s Wednesday Night Bible Study one evening.  Even though I am anxious about leading I am so glad that I follow through when all is said and done.  The learning is worth it all.  I want to share what I have learned. 

Fear is an emotion everyone experiences to some degree or another.  It is caused by the presence of evil, anxiety, or pain.  Some people cower in the face of fear.  Others boldly face fear.  What does the Bible teach us about fear?  How are we as Christians to deal with fear? 

Allow me to share a couple of fearful experiences with you.  I remember watching “The Wizard of Oz” when I was 5 or 6 years old.  It was one of my favorite stories; however, there were parts of the story that absolutely terrified me, such as the witch on many occasions and the monkeys.  I hid behind the coach and peeked around it to keep up on the happening in the story.

Another memorable event was when my three young children, Stephanie, Christopher, Hannah, and I toured the Wax Museum in Branson.  Excitedly, we entered the museum with the anticipation of seeing Elvis and other celebrities, but instead we gasped!  We were face to face with Frankenstein, Dracula, a Werewolf, and other ominous wax figures.  Stephanie and Hannah immediately grabbed my arms.  “We do not want to take another step into this place!”  I responded, “I understand.  However, this is just a small portion.  All we need to do is just walk past these wax figures.  Hang onto my arms, close your eyes and I will guide both of you through.”  Christopher ran on ahead laughing.  Suddenly the elevator door opened revealing a living person in a wheel chair.  “Boo!”  Chris jumped and ran to a closed door since that appeared to be an exit.  He turned the knob to open it and the door would not budge.  The girls squeezed my arm tighter in their panic.  “Let’s get out of here!  Where is the door?”  Our hearts began pounding and beads of sweat appeared on our brow.  Then Chris tried the next door.  Success!  He opened it wide and we all ran through it.

These two stories demonstrate that our imaginations must be controlled.  Our minds can make up all kinds of fears that are not even real.  We all have experienced anxiety.  For example, when I was lost, I wanted to be saved, but was scared to be obedient to Jesus.  I thought people would laugh at me for going to the altar, for praying out loud, and more.  These were all lies from Satan to stop me from seeking the Lord and being saved.  I am so glad I was obedient to Jesus.

The other example is the times the Lord calls on me to testify.  Negative thoughts go through my mind.  Such thoughts as that would be stupid to say, are you really led to stand up?  When I am disobedient I miss out on the blessing and I am also filled with regrets.  I am thankful for the times I have stood for my Lord and received a great blessing.  Living life without regrets is much better.

At this point I want to share a Bible verse that has been a great comfort to me.  It is found in Romans 8:38-39.  It reads, “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, not powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  This tells me that no matter what we encounter in life the God is always with us.  Nothing can separate us from Him.  I love this scripture. 

Where does fear come from then?  In II Timothy 1:7 it says, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”  This reveals that fear is NOT an emotion from God.  God gives us power, love, and a sound mind.  Fear comes from the enemy.

We should never fear, but we are only human.  Like us, Jesus’ disciples were fearful.  In Mark 4:36 we read about their fearful situation.  “And there arose a great storm of wind, and the waves beat into the ship, so that it was now full.  And he was in the hinder part of the ship, asleep on a pillow; and they awake him, and say unto him, “Master, carest thou not that we perish?”  And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, “Peace, be still.”  And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.  And he said unto them, “Why are ye so fearful?  How is it that ye have no faith?”  And they feared exceedingly, and said one to another, “What manner of man is this, that even the wind and the sea obey him?”

Since God is always with us, then we ought not to fear.  But instead have faith in God or trust God to see us through the fear.  I believe that as Christians we should face our fears and push through them to receive a blessing.  We should not hide from our fears like I did when watching the “Wizard of Oz” or run from our fears like Stephanie and Hannah wanted to do in the Branson Wax Museum.  We should push through our fears.  And when we do, we grow into a stronger person.  We allow God to mold us into being more like Him.  Isn’t that amazing?

There are numerous examples of individuals who have faced their fears and overcame them.  A courageous Queen Esther approached the King to plea for her people.  The Hebrew people were protected due to her willingness to trust and obey her God.  Noah overcame the fear of rejection from his peers.  He was building an ark in obedience as protection from a world wide flood.  The world had no rain up until that time.  King David, Mary (mother of Jesus), Stephen, and many others have trusted God to see them through.  I love reading and learning about these great people.

I am recalling Phillipians 4:13.  It says, “I can do all things through Christ which strenghtheneth me.”  Yes, we are never alone in the storms of life.  “There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment.  He that feareth is not made perfect in love.”  I am so thankful for God’s love.

Bringing Mom Home!

I have been a stay at home mother for 24 years!  During that time I successfully home educated our three great children.  I loved spending all the hours with my children.  We studied at home, went on fabulous field trips with other homeschooling families, we traveled on extended family field trips to Florida, Colorado, and Indiana.  I have always desired for every mother to be blessed with the opportunity to be a stay at home mother.

You see, many times in my homeschool endeavors I became acquainted with mothers who would say, “You are so blessed to be able to stay at home and home educate your children.  I wish I could do that, but I am needed to work.”  My heart would break for them.  Leaving your children at a baby sitter or sending your children to public school when you felt that homeschooling would have been a better option.  I wanted to help them in some way.  At that time I did all that I knew to do.  I prayed for them.  I prayed that God would help them find a way.

I never in my imagination thought God would provide me with the answer.  Let me tell you I have two years experience in being a successful business owner who aids people in building financial freedom.  I am thankful to be a part of an amazing and caring team of friends and business partners.  Being a part of this endeavor allows me to coach moms and set them on the road to a great financial future.  It is so very gratifying to bring mom home.  I love hearing their stories such as my friend and business partner, Sarah, excitedly sharing with me that she is able to stay at home with her 6 month old baby boy!  God is GREAT!!

Bobbie!

When our oldest daughter, Stephanie, was about 2 years old she was given a little rag doll dressed in pink wearing a bonnet.  Stephanie loved the little doll at the very moment she received it.  “Bobbie!” she exclaimed.  This was her attempt to say, “Baby”, so Bobbie became the doll’s name.

Stephanie took Bobbie everywhere.  Bobbie was always tucked under her arm.  Stephanie napped and slept with Bobbie, watched the movie, “101 Dalmatians” with Bobbie, ate with Bobbie, fed Bobbie, shopped with Bobbie, and much more.  One morning Stephanie, Bobbie, and I went shopping at Kmart in Lebanon.  Stephanie and Bobbie rode in the shopping cart.  While I was looking at 1T and 2T clothes, Stephanie was playing with Bobbie.  She set Bobbie on a shelf.  Stephanie and I traveled away from Bobbie.  Stephanie pointed at Bobbie, but I did not understand and I was distracted.  I should have paid attention to Stephanie.

We checked out, traveled home, and ate lunch.  Then it was time for a nap.  Our routine was to sit in a rocking chair together with Bobbie and watch Reading Rainbow before drifting off to sleep.  Only this time Bobbie was not with us.  Stephanie said, “Bobbie?  I want Bobbie?”  I jumped up looking all over the house and the car.  Bobbie was no where!  I began thinking where I saw Bobbie last.  I recalled our shopping experience.  I did not remember getting home with Bobbie.  She had to be at Kmart.  I called, but no doll had been turned in.  The feeling to just go check for myself haunted me, and that is what we did.  We went to the store to check for ourselves. 

On the way to Kmart I told Stephanie that we would find Bobbie.  I believed it.  We walked all over the store.  No Bobbie.  I decided to look again, but this time more carefully.  And lo and behold we found Bobbie on the shelf just where Stephanie had left her.  I handed Bobbie to Stephanie and she hugged her tight.  As I hugged them both, I remember how Stephanie tried to tell me about Bobbie on the shelf and I just kept moving away. 

It is important to stop and to listen.  I know Bobbie is just a toy, but a special toy.  When children are growing up toys are like their best friends.  I am thankful Bobbie was still on the shelf waiting for us.  As Stephanie matured and did not carry her everywhere, she was placed on the shelf in Stephanie’s room.  Stephanie is 23 years old and she still has Bobbie.